There’s no denying Caitlin Clark has been a boon for the WNBA ever since she was drafted first recently, Even someone like Milwaukee Bucks veteran guard Patrick Beverley has recognized her as one of the sport’s most important players recently.
Clark first made her name known as one of the top high school prospects in 2020. Although she initially committed to Notre Dame, the point guard made her way to the Iowa Hawkeyes and played four years there.
May 18, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) warms up prior to the game against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
During her last year playing women’s college basketball, Clark cemented her legacy by breaking Pete Maravich’s old record to become the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. However, she was unable to lead Iowa to a championship as they fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the final round.
Shortly after that loss, Clark would go on to be selected first by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Along with that honor, the rookie scorer a number of endorsement deals, such as Nike and Panini, to become one of the most successful female athlete brands in recent history. Also, her popularity paved the way for WNBA players to received chartered flights to keep them safe and secure while traveling around to play.
May 18, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a three point shot in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Just recently, Bucks guard Patrick Beverley mentioned his list of the five most impactful individuals who played for the NBA and WNBA, Apart from Los Angeles Lakers legend, Magic Johnson, Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, Lakers forward LeBron James, Los Angeles
Even though Clark hasn’t played that many games in the WNBA right now, her arrival has paved the way for female hoopers to get chartered flights from the WNBA. This opens up more opportunities for these ladies to get more benefits as the league starts to grow in popularity.
May 18, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks back for a defensive possession after a turnover in the third quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Without a doubt, Clark’s recognition from the Bucks vet is a good thing for her career and women’s basketball as a whole. Hopefully, the Indiana Fever star gets to have a lengthy career to make more of an impact on the sport.